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  • Fasting diets are going bonkers right now — some tech bros are down to one meal a day! And health-fluencers claim that intermittent fasting can help you lose weight, live longer and even fight cancer. But meanwhile, recent headlines are screaming that these diets might actually be dangerous — and linked to death from heart disease. Can science sort this all out?? We speak to nutrition researchers Dr. Krista Varady and Dr. Courtney Peterson, as well as cancer researcher Professor Valter Longo. 

    Mental health and disordered eating resources are here: spotify.com/resources 

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsFasting

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Fasting: the fad and the fears
    (03:07) Does fasting help you burn fat?
    (07:40) How much weight do people lose with intermittent fasting?
    (08:47) Is this just calorie restriction?
    (13:17) Can fasting help you live longer?
    (19:50) Can fasting fight cancer?

    This episode was produced by Kaitlyn Sawrey, Nick DelRose and Wendy Zukerman with help from Michelle Dang, Rose  Rimler, Joel Werner and Meryl Horn. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell, with extra editing help from Caitlin Kenney and Annie-Rose Strasser. Fact checking by Eva Dasher and Michelle Dang. Mix and sound design by Peter Leonard and Bobby Lord. Music by Peter Leonard, Emma Munger, Bumi Hidaka and Bobby Lord. A huge thanks to all the researchers we got in touch with for this episode, including Dr Peter Chisnell, Dr Mikkel Holm Vendelbo, Dr Jiahong Lu, Dr Dorothy Sears, Prof. Mark Mattson, Dr James D Dvorak, Dr Calloway Scott, Professor Richard Billows, Professor Nancy Worman, Dr  Barbara Kowalzig  and the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Also thanks to Kimmie Regler, Helen Zaltman, Frank Lopez, the Zukerman Family, and Joseph Lavelle Wilson. 

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Dreaming might be the weirdest thing that our brains do. Out of thin air we may see ourselves battling a triceratops, or stressing for an exam that we don't have … so why do we do this?? What is going on in our brains to create these bonkers images? For years, the land of dreams was a place for mystics and philosophers, but with groundbreaking technology, we're getting closer to understanding the science of dreams than ever before. Comedians Toni and Ryan join us for a romp through the bizarre science of dreaming, along with neuroscientist Professor Francesca Siclari and dream/sleep researcher Professor Bob Stickgold.

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsDreams

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Welcome to the Nodcast
    (05:11) How our dreams change all night
    (08:50) The myth of REM dreams
    (14:30) Why do dreams feel so real? 
    (22:02) What are we really dreaming about? 
    (30:45) Why do we dream? 
    (34:46) Could dreams help us process emotions?

    This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman, with help from Joel Werner, Rose Rimler, Meryl Horn, and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka and Peter Leonard. Thanks to all the researchers we spoke to including Dr Dylan Selterman, Dr Nirit Soffer, Professor Caroline Watt, Pr Pilleriin Sikka, Professor Drew Dawson, Dr Başak Türker, Dr Katja Valli, Dr Delphine Oudiette, Dr Sarah Schoch and Dr Dan Rubin. Also thanks to Lauren Silverman, Stupid Old Studios, Andrew Paquette, the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  • We looked at this class of weight loss drugs a year ago, and they've only gotten more popular — and more controversial. We’re hearing that these kinds of drugs can be tough on your stomach, and that the weight loss comes with worrisome loss of muscle. We’ve also heard claims that they might increase your risk of suicide. So — should we be freaking out here?? We talk to endocrinologist Dr. Vibha Singhal, neuroscientist Dr. Nora Volkow, and gastroenterologist Dr. Michael Camilleri.  

    This episode does deal with depression and suicidal thoughts. Here are some crisis hotlines: 
    United States: US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 988 (Online chat available); US Crisis Text Line Text “HOME” to 741741
    Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (Online chat available)
    Canada: Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (See link for phone numbers listed by province)
    United Kingdom: Samaritans 116 123 (UK and ROI)
    Full list of international hotlines here 

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsOzempic2Scarier 

    Chapters:
    In this episode, we cover:

    (00:00) What are the fears around these weight loss drugs? 
    (04:46) Do these drugs melt your muscles?
    (11:49) Do these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thoughts? 
    (16:15) Can they really paralyze your stomach?
    (30:25) Some good news!
    (33:36) How Did You Find the Bezoar?

    CREDITS
    This episode was produced by Rose Rimler, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Meryl Horn, Michelle Dang, and Joel Werner. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Recording assistance from Selena Seay-Reynolds. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord and Peter Leonard. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Emma Munger, Peter Leonard, So Wylie and Bobby Lord. Thanks to all of the researchers we spoke to for this episode, including Dr. Kristen Beavers, Dr. Ellen Fallows, Dr. Joseph Henson, Dr. Dimitrios Papamargaritis, Prof. Roger McIntyre, Prof. Russ Waitman, Dr. Sahib Khalsa,, Dr. Travis Masterson, and Dr. Etienne Wang. Thanks also to Bryant Smith and Lori Segal. And special thanks to the listeners on these medications who checked back in with us.   

    A special thanks to the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • We’ve been hunting for the fountain of youth for millennia, but if you go online, it looks like the search is over! So we’re looking at some of the buzziest anti-aging hacks out there: the potential powers of young blood, the latest supplements, and a drug that has some scientists really pumped. We talk to researchers Dr. Jim White, Dr. Melanie McReynolds and Prof. Nir Barzilai. 

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsAnti-Aging

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) The Hunt for the Fountain of Youth
    (03:07) Can Young Blood Keep Us Sprightly?
    (13:05) Do NAD Boosters Work? 
    (21:25) Is Metformin a Game-Changer?
    (27:50) How the Nerds Stay Young

    This episode was produced by Michelle Dang and Wendy Zukerman, with help from Meryl Horn, Rose Rimler, and Joel Werner. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Research help from Timmy Broderick. Fact checking by Eva Dasher. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Emma Munger, Peter Leonard, So Wylie and Bobby Lord. A special thanks to all of the researchers we spoke to for this episode, including Dr. Janet Choi, Dr. Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz, and Dr. Xue Li. A special thanks to the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Strap in, nerds: New Science Vs episodes are coming! This season, we’re diving into the science of longevity, cannabis, hormone balancing, dreams, menopause, squirting, protein and MUCH more. New episodes start March 7!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • DMT might be the weirdest drug in the already weird world of psychedelics. It’s the active ingredient in ayahuasca, but on its own, DMT can give you what’s nicknamed “the businessman’s trip” — a psychedelic journey that can be done and dusted inside 15 minutes. So what is this drug doing to our brains? And could it help people with depression? We catch up with Dr Chris Timmermann, Dr Graham Campbell, Michelle Baker Jones and Dr David Olson to find out.

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsDMT 

    Listeners, we need you! Tell us: What should we versus in 2024? Also, we’re looking for your questions on topics including sex, diet and menopause! In the U.S., leave us a voicemail at 774-481-1238 or send an email or voice memo to [email protected].

    Find us on Social Media! Instagram: @science_vs / TikTok: @wendyzukerman / Twitter: @sciencevs

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
    (00:59) Celebs love ayahuasca
    (04:58) DMT
    (08:06) The ‘Rick and Morty’ Trip
    (13:30) Is DMT a portal?
    (15:42) DMT in our brains
    (21:53) DMT for depression?
    (29:33) Plastic psychedelics
    (36:10) Risks of DMT and ayahuasca
    (39:09) Where do we land on DMT?

    This episode was produced by Joel Werner, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Michelle Dang, Rose Rimler, and Nick DelRose. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Peter Leonard, and Bobby Lord. Thanks to all the researchers we spoke to including Dr Rick Strassman, Dr David Erritzoe, Dr Jimo Borjigin, Dr. Steven Barker, Dr Brandon Weiss, Dr Pascal Michael, Dr Michael Gatch, Professor Jerome Sarris, Professor Deepak Dsouza, Sean Chiddy, and David Nickles. Special thanks to Jack Weinstein and Hunter, Katie Vines, Finn and Jules, Christian Darío Vásquez, Valentina Powers, Zac Schmidt, the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson. 

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Personality tests like the MBTI are all over the internet, the workplace, and dating apps — but some say it’s all a bunch of baloney. So are any of these tests legit? And what can science actually tell us about personality? We talk to psychologists Dr. Alexander Swan, Dr. Emorie Beck, and Dr. Ted Schwaba.

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsPersonalityTests


    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Chapter 1: Personality tests and their impact
    (05:49) Chapter 2: Personality and the MBTI
    (13:21) Chapter 3: Why personality ‘types’ flop
    (24:52) Chapter 4: The scientist’s personality test
    (30:05) Chapter 5: What personality can predict
    (33:24) Chapter 6: Can you change your personality?


    This episode was produced by Michelle Dang, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Nick DelRose, Rose Rimler, and Joel Werner. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Eva Dasher. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bumi Hidaka, Emma Munger, Peter Leonard, So Wylie and Bobby Lord. Special thanks to all the researchers we spoke to for this episode, including Dr. Nicholas Turiano, Prof. Howard Friedman, and Prof. Paul Duberstein. And special thanks to the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson. 

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Caffeine is a drug that tons of us take every day. But is that a bad thing? And if we get it in the form of energy drinks, is that super dangerous? We talk to Dr. Astrid Nehlig, Prof. Gregory Marcus, and Prof. Sachin Shah. 

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsCaffeineEnergyDrinks

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Chapter 1: We love/hate caffeine
    (02:12) Chapter 2: Coffee and our guts
    (07:12) Chapter 3: Coffee and our brains
    (12:40) Chapter 4: Coffee and our zzzzzzs
    (17:42) Chapter 5: Coffee makes us go vroom vroom vroom!
    (20:30) Chapter 6: Are we caffeine addicts? 
    (28:04) Chapter 7: Are energy drinks dangerous?

    This episode was produced by Rose Rimler, with help from Wendy Zukerman, as well as Nick DelRose, Joel Werner, and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Sarah Baum. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard. Special thanks to all the researchers we spoke to for this episode – including Dr. Bryan Saunders, Dr. Sergi Ferré, Prof. Andreas Heinz, Prof. Christine Curran, Dr. Erikka Loftfield, Dr. Felix Oberhoffer, Dr. Alan Wayne Jones, and Dr. Vijay Yadav. Extra special thanks to Jason Vytlacil and the Zukerman family.

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. We are everywhere that podcasts are! If you are listening on Spotify, follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. And if you like us, give a five star review! 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Molly, ecstasy, MDMA: whatever you call it, this drug is blowing up. Some say MDMA can be a legitimate medicine to treat conditions like PTSD. But others reckon it's a dangerous drug that can fry your brain, and even kill you — from just one bad pill. Who's right? That's what we're snorting up today. We talk to psychiatrist George Greer, public health researcher Prof. Joseph Palamar, former DEA special agent James Hunt, and neuroscientist Prof. Harriet de Witt.

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsMDMA2023 

    This is an updated version of our MDMA episode from a few years ago. 

    Chapters: 
    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Chapter 1: Cops and club kids
    (05:02) Chapter 2: Therapists try MDMA
    (09:05) Chapter 3: Your brain on MDMA
    (15:34) Chapter 4: Can MDMA cure racism? 
    (20:32) Chapter 5: Can MDMA Cure PTSD? 
    (23:13) Chapter 6: Is the MDMA comedown real? 
    (26:40) Chapter 7: Can MDMA damage your brain? 
    (30:04) Chapter 8: Can MDMA kill you? 
    (33:23) Chapter 9: Buying MDMA on the street
    (37:01) Chapter 10: Conclusion

    This episode was produced by Heather Rogers and Wendy Zukerman, with help from Shruti Ravindran, Kaitlyn Sawrey, Rose Rimler, Joel Werner, Nick DelRose and Michelle Dang. Edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Michelle Harris, Ben Kuebrich and Diane Kelly. Sound design by Martin Peralta, Haley Shaw and Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Peter Leonard, Emma Munger, So Wylie and Bumi Hidaka. Thanks to all the researchers we reached out to for this episode, including Prof. Jerrold S. Meyer, Prof. Niamh Nic Daéid, Dr Brian Earp, Dr. Carl Roberts and Dr. Matthew Baggott. An extra thanks to Lucy Little, Johnny Dynell, Jesse Rudoy, Joseph Lavelle Wilson, and the Zukerman family. 

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • We all know gossip can be bad — but some of us still can’t seem to get enough of it. So today we’re digging into the science of gossip to answer questions like: who really gossips? And why do we love it so much? We spill the tea with sociologist Dr. Stacy Torres and neuroscientist Professor Josep Marco-Pallarés.

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsGossip

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Gossip has a bad rap
    (06:21) Who gossips?
    (17:13) Your brain on gossip
    (24:14) Can gossip be good?
    (32:27) How to fight nasty gossip

    Check out Tuck Woodstock’s podcast, “Gender Reveal,” a podcast that centers nonbinary, transgender, and queer folks. The show interviews LGBTQ+ artists, activists, and educators; answers listener questions; analyzes current events; and gets a little bit closer to understanding what the heck gender is.

    Find us on instagram: @science_vs

    This episode was produced by Nick DelRose with help from Wendy Zukerman, Joel Werner, Rose Rimler, and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Emma Munger, So Wiley, Peter Leonard, and Bumi Hidaka. Thank you to all the researchers we spoke to, including Dr. Megan Robins, Dr. Jan Engelmann, Dr. Konrad Rudnicki, Dr. Alex Karan, and Dr. Julie Wargo Aikins. Recording assistance from Jaz Williams. Special thanks to the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • A dead man with a bitten penis and perplexing DNA, a terrifying syndrome where everything around you appears in miniature, and the big lie we all believe about lemmings: Wendy and Joel tell three science stories about times when things were not what they seemed, recorded live at the Beaker Street Festival in Tasmania. 

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsLIVE 

    Chapters: 

    (00:00) Welcome to Science Vs LIVE!
    (02:08) The Case of the Missing Penis
    (17:55) Alice In Wonderland Syndrome
    (31:35) The Big Lemming Lie

    This episode has been produced by Wendy Zukerman, Joel Werner and Austin Mitchell, with help from Rose Rimler, Michelle Dang, and Nicholas DelRose. Our original version of lemmings was helped into the world by Kaitlyn Sawrey, Ben Kuebrich, Heather Rogers, and Shruti Ravindran. 

    Edited by Blythe Terrell and Annie-Rose Strasser. Fact Checking by Carmen Drahl. Mix and Sound Design by Bobby Lord and Bumi Hidaka. Scoring by Bobby Lord, Peter Leonard, Bumi Hidaka, and Emma Munger. Thanks to all of the researchers we spoke to including… Dr. Malte Andersson, Dr. Anders Angerbjörn, Dr. Rolf Anker Ims, Dr. Charles J. Krebs, and others. As well as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for the use of Cruel Camera. And special thanks to Barbara and Paul Werner, Tegan Taylor, Joseph Lavelle Wilson and the Zukerman family.

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Not sleeping enough turning you into a monster? In one of our most popular episodes, we bring you the cutting-edge science that helps us understand why. And we sort through the fads to find out, what really works to get more ZZZs. We speak with lab coordinator Pam DeYoung, sleep researcher Dr. Brady Riedner, and circadian scientist Prof. Russell Foster. 

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsSleep2023

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Not sleeping sucks
    (03:00) What does lack of sleep do to us?
    (06:07) Our beer vs. sleepiness experiment
    (10:56) What happens in a sleepy brain
    (17:45) How circadian rhythm affects sleep
    (21:19) Does melatonin help with sleep?
    (23:50) Does blue light keep us awake?

    This episode was produced by Rose Rimler and Lexi Krupp with help from Wendy Zukerman, Michelle Dang, Meryl Horn and Kaitlyn Sawrey. Editing by Caitlin Kenney. Fact checking by Diane Kelly and Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Peter Leonard and Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Peter Leonard, Emma Munger, Bobby Lord, and Bach. Recording assistance from Dave Drexler, Tim Peterson, Zoe Sullivan, and Martin Wiggins. Sonification of EEG data came from Dr. Gerold Baier and Dr. Thomas Hermann. A huge thanks to Dr. Amandine Valomon, Prof. James Krueger, Dr. Ari Shechter, Dr. Jade Wu, Dr. Bei Bei, Dr. Connor Sheehan, Dr. Jennifer Ailshire, Dr. Agostinho Rosa, and everyone else we spoke to for this episode, especially our frustrated sleepers. Thank you so much for all the voice messages! And special thanks to Chuma Ossé, the Zukerman family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • We’ve been told that foods like butter and bacon are bad for us — because they're packed with saturated fats. And top dogs in nutrition say that a better option is vegetable oil, like canola oil. But there’s a trend popping off claiming that these top dogs are barking up the wrong tree. They say that butter is better and that those vegetable oils, aka “seed oils,” are incredibly dangerous. So — who’s right? Is canola oil really killing us? Or is butter the bad boy?

    To find out, we speak to author and physician Dr Cate Shanahan, professor of nutrition science Jason Wu, professor of endocrinology David Schade, and Dr David Iggman.

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsSeedOils 

    A new Season of Heavyweight is out now! Find them here: https://gimletmedia.com/shows/heavyweight 

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Seed oils are the devil
    (05:35) Is saturated fat killing you?
    (12:25) Does cholesterol cause heart attacks? 
    (22:02) Do seed oils cause inflammation?
    (28:00) Are seed oils killing you?

    This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman, with help from Joel Werner, Rose Rimler, Nick DelRose and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Carmen Drahl. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Emma Munger, Peter Leonard, and Bumi Hidaka. Thanks to all the researchers we spoke to including Dr Lorena Pacheco, Dr Qi Sun, Dr Tetsumori Yamashima, Dr Idrees Mughal, Professor Rashika Ahmed, Dr Hatem Tallima, Dr Heidi Silver, Professor Ronald Krauss, Dr Yutang Wang, Dr David Sullivan, Professor Peter Clifton, Dr Lee Hooper and others. And a big thank you to Morgen Rockel, the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • A whistleblower claims that the U.S. government is covering up what it knows about aliens on Earth, and several military pilots recently testified to seeing strange objects in the sky. It kinda feels like the tide is turning on UFOs — even NASA is taking these sightings seriously. So what’s going on here? Have aliens visited? And will we ever find alien life somewhere … out there? We speak to astrophysicists Prof. Kevin Knuth, Dr. Sara Webb, and Prof. Adam Frank. 

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsUFOs2023 

    Check our previous episode on UFOs here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/60oChXf4TK7dN4NZslVUpx

    Prof. Adam Frank's new book, The Little Book of Aliens, comes out October 24.

    Chapters: 
    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Chapter 1: Congress takes on aliens 
    (03:04) Chapter 2: Why is Rose Muldering? 
    (05:44) Chapter 3: The ‘Tic-Tac’ incident
    (13:54) Chapter 4: We need a Scully
    (26:45) Chapter 5: The new science on searching for alien life

    This episode was produced by Rose Rimler, with help from Wendy Zukerman, as well as Michelle Dang, Joel Werner and Nick DelRose. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, Emma Munger, Peter Leonard, and So Wylie. Special thanks to Matt Shilts and Walter Rimler. An extra special thanks to researchers we spoke to for this episode – including Prof. Seth Shostak and Julio Plaza Del Olmo. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Andrew Huberman is a skate punk turned neuroscientist, and he hosts one of the most popular podcasts in the U.S.: The Huberman Lab. Today, we talk to him about his unlikely path to becoming a scientist, his fascinating research into regrowing neurons, the Covid-19 lab leak theory, and some of the criticism he's gotten for promoting certain supplements.

    Coronavirus: Was It Made In a Lab? https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/dvheexn 

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsHuberman 

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Chapter 1: Andrew Huberman: Skater Kid to Scientist
    (10:35) Chapter 2: Huberman's favorite study: Regrowing neurons
    (16:38) Chapter 3: Learning to Optimize
    (21:59) Chapter 4: Covid Lab Leak Theory
    (26:45) Chapter 5: Criticism for Promoting Certain Supplements 
    (35:06) Chapter 6: Huberman's favorite TV show: Love Island (jking)
    (36:33) Chapter 7: Life Advice

    This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman and Joel Werner, with help from Rose Rimler, Nick DelRose, and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka.

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Can plunging into an ice bath make us feel happier? What about gratitude journaling? We’re digging into some of the quirkiest self-care hacks around the internet to find out what the science says — and whether you should add them to your routine. We talk to environmental physiologist Dr. Heather Massey, counseling psychologist Prof. Joel Wong, and social psychologist Dr. Juliana Schroeder. 

    This episode does mention depression. Here are some crisis hotlines: 

    United States: US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  988 (Online chat available); US Crisis Text Line Text “GO” to 741741

    Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (Online chat available)

    Canada: Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (See link for phone numbers listed by province)

    United Kingdom: Samaritans 116 123 (UK and ROI) (Online chat available)

    Full list of international hotlines here 



    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsSelfCare

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Chapter 1: Trendy self-care hacks
    (02:13) Chapter 2: Ice baths: How our body reacts
    (07:40) Chapter 3: Can cold plunges help with depression?
    (12:41) Chapter 4: The risks of ice baths
    (16:24) Chapter 5: Does gratitude journaling make us happier?
    (20:39) Chapter 6: How does gratitude work?
    (26:29) Chapter 7: When self-care isn’t just about yourself …


    This episode was produced by Michelle Dang, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Nick DelRose, Joel Werner, and Rose Rimler. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Carmen Drahl. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, Emma Munger, Peter Leonard, and So Wylie. Thanks to everyone we spoke to for this episode – especially Professor Megan Azad. And special thanks to the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson. 

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. 

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • The smash hit Netflix documentary “Unknown: Cave of Bones” has kicked off an all-out science brawl. The film makes extraordinary claims about a strange ape-like creature that lived hundreds of thousands of years ago — claims that rewrite what it means to be human. But some scientists are pushing back, saying that at this point, these extraordinary claims aren’t backed up by extraordinary evidence. So, what’s going on? Is “Cave of Bones” a Cave of Lies? We chat to the man at the center of the controversy, National Geographic Explorer In Residence Lee Berger, as well as a couple of the scientists pushing back against his work: Professor Andy Herries and Associate Professor Jamie Hodgkins.

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVSCaveOfBones 

    In this episode, we cover:

    (00:00) ‘Cave of Bones’ is a hit!
    (02:55) Lee Berger, Explorer in Residence
    (07:10) Meet Homo naledi
    (14:09) Extraordinary claims
    (20:54) The media campaign and the backlash
    (25:16) The evidence for burial
    (32:00) The evidence for rock art
    (40:54) Cave of Insufficient Evidence?

    This episode was produced by Joel Werner, with help from Wendy Zukerman, Michelle Dang, Rose Rimler, and Nick DelRose. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Emma Munger, Peter Leonard, So Wylie, and Bumi Hidaka. Thanks to all the researchers we spoke to including Dr Bridget Alex, Professor Michael Petraglia, Dr Kimberly Foecke, Dr Sven Ouzman, Dr Elizabeth Grace Veatch, Dr Flint Dibble, Professor Tim White, and Professor Bernard Wood. And a big thank you to Lindsey Cherner, Jill Harris, Jack Weinstein, Katie Vines, the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson. 
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  • More and more people are puffing on vapes — but some governments are making moves to ban them. So how dangerous is vaping, really? And as we inhale that sweet cherry flavor into our lungs, could we also be changing our brains? To find out, we talk to tobacco researcher Dr. Michael Chaiton, inhalation toxicologist Professor Ilona Jaspers, and pharmacology researcher Melissa Herman.

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsVaping 

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) The fears around vaping
    (03:41) Could vaping make you sick?
    (09:45) Are vape flavors dangerous?
    (20:17) Nicotine and depression
    (32:03) Is vaping worse than smoking?

    This episode was produced by Nick DelRose with help from Wendy Zukerman, Joel Werner, Rose Rimler and Michelle Dang. Our original vaping episode was produced by Kaitlyn Sawrey with help from Lexi Krupp and Meryl Horn. Editing by Caitlin Kenney and Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka and Peter Leonard. Music written by Peter Leonard, Bobby Lord, So Wylie, Bumi Hidaka, and Emma Munger. A huge thanks to all the people we spoke to for this episode including: Dr Jamie Harmann-Boyce, Prof Charlotta Pisinger, Prof Neal Benowitz, Dr Emily Stockings, Dr Mohammed Al-Hamdani, Prof Nancy Rigotti, Dr Elizabeth Stevens, Dr Matt Springer, Prof Paul Kenny, Dr Yasmeen Butt, Dr Sean Callahan, Dr Travis Henry, Professor Irfan Rahman, Christopher Harvel, Alex Sandorf, Dr James Pankow, Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos, Professor Lorraine Martin, Professor Moon-Shong Tang, Dr. Kevin Davidson and Myron Ronay. Extra thanks to Conor Duffy, the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson. 

    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Follow the show and tap the bell to receive new episode notifications.
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  • The latest hot new trend is: breathing. Yeah, that’s right — there are claims that so-called breathwork can cure depression and supercharge your brain. Breathfluencers reckon that we're breathing all wrong but that with the right kind of breathing, you could be living a happier, healthier life. So what's the deal here? Are you really breathing badly? And if you learned the right way to breathe, could you become a better you? To find out, we talk to psychiatrists Professor David Spiegel and Dr. Patricia Gerbarg, memory researcher Dr. Artin Arshamian, and speech pathologist Ann Kearney. 

    Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsBreathwork

    In this episode, we cover:
    (00:00) Meet the Breathfluencers
    (05:27) Can breathwork reduce stress?
    (10:18) Can breathwork help with depression and PTSD? 
    (14:48) How does breathing work? 
    (21:04) Are you a mouth breather?
    (23:58) Can mouth-breathing ruin your memory? 
    (31:05) Benefits of nose breathing
    (33:41) Should you use mouth tape? 
    (35:47) Are the Breathfluencers right?


    This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman, with help from Joel Werner, Rose Rimler, Nick DelRose and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Erica Akiko Howard. Mix and sound design by Bumi Hidaka. Music written by Bobby Lord, Emma Munger, Peter Leonard, and Bumi Hidaka. Thanks to all the researchers we spoke to including Professor George Dallum, Dr Theresa Larkin, Dr Justin Feinstein, Dr Daillin Tavoian, Professor Margaret Chesney, Dr Anthony Bain, Dr Jayakar Nayak, Professor Leslie Kay, Professor John Hanrahan, Professor Andrew Allen, Dr Shirley Telles, Guy Fincham, and Shikha Malviya. And a big thank you to Jill Harris, the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.


    Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
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  • Brand-new episodes will drop starting next week! Stay tuned for science deep dives on breathing and breathwork, seed oils (what SHOULD we cook with??), UFOs, self-care, energy drinks, personality tests and much much MUCH more.


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